What if?

I noticed you today,
For the first time,
Quite possibly the last,
In your tapestry embroidered coat,
Zipped to the collar, warm.

The pattern set fire to my imagination,
Possibilities brought to life,
A path illuminated in the dark,
Yet quickly snuffed out,
As I walked away.

I drifted further,
And pondered all the possibilities,
That never bear fruit,
Perished in the cold,
For we are too afraid.

To set them alight.
And watch paper canvas float into the spring sky,
Too afraid perhaps of winters bite,
Too afraid
To burn.

So I leave and wonder.
What if?